The Las Vegas Raiders landed one, if not the biggest fish in free agency, with the signing of former Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on March 9, citing sources, that Linderbaum and the Silver and Black agreed to a three-year, $81 million deal that includes $60 million guaranteed. Moreover, this contract makes him the highest-paid interior offensive lineman in NFL history.
While the money can be seen as the reason he went to Las Vegas, Linderbaum paints a different picture as to why leaving the Ravens for the Raiders made sense for him.
“I think a big reason for choosing the Raiders is just the belief in what we’re trying to build here,” Linderbaum said on a March 12 video on the Raiders’ official YouTube channel. “The belief in [head coach Klint Kubiak, [general manager] John Spytek, and the opportunity to build something special and be a part of it is what really drew me.”
Tyler Linderbaum Talks Playing Style
Moreover, Linderbaum noted that the scheme that the team will be running with new head coach Klint Kubiak fits him.
“I think Coach Kubiak’s system is going to be a great fit for me,” Linderbaum added. “I’m really going to try to excel at the things that I’m good at, while also bringing in leadership qualities and earning the trust of my teammates and coaches. I’m focused on really trying to build something special.”
Linderbaum earned an 80.2 overall PFF grade for the 2025 season, ranking among the top centers in the league, with an 83.7 run‑blocking grade and a 63.4 pass‑blocking grade. He also shared what playing style he intends to bring to the Raiders as he anchors their offensive line.
“Every time the ball’s snapped, it’s as hard as you can go until the whistle’s blown,” Linderbaum said. “There will be times where your technique isn’t perfect, but you have to find ways to win, and that’s what I try to do. Just find ways to win on each and every play, run or pass, and at the end of the day, do it for the brothers next to you. That’s what it’s all about.”
Raiders Receive Praise Over Offseason Moves
The Raiders have addressed several weak areas within their squad to be a competitive group in 2026 under Kubiak. As a result, ESPN’s Freddie Coleman didn’t hold back his praise on what Las Vegas has done so far this offseason.
“The best move to me about the offseason, the Las Vegas Raiders actually look like they know what they’re doing,” Coleman said on the March 12 edition of “Freddie and Harry.” “…They have had a solid plan. Who’s the head coach we’re going to need to coach Fernando Mendoza? Let’s get a guy there, what he did for Sam Darnold last year with the Seattle Seahawks, in Klint Kubiak. I have no doubt he’s going to put together a terrific staff.
“Then whatever they needed in free agency, they went out there and signed it. They didn’t waste the salary cap space. They had the second‑most in the National Football League, and they went out and got guys on the offensive line and on defense. Honestly, they lucked into keeping Maxx Crosby.”
Tyler Linderbaum Reveals True Reason for Leaving Ravens for Raiders